Road trip for Rox filled with division drama

DENVER -- Even after losing 11 of their last 15, the Rockies remain at the center of a jam-packed race in the National League West.

Colorado entered Thursday's game three games back of the division-leading D-backs, tied with the red-hot Dodgers -- winners of 10 of their last 11. All that only adds to the importance of the Rockies' 10-game road trip against the D-backs, Padres and Dodgers, a stretch that begins Friday in Arizona and takes them into the All-Star break.

As manager Walt Weiss noted, there's a case to be made that each road trip is critical. But with 10 games coming against the three opponents nestled around them in the standings, this trip takes on greater significance.

"The fact that it's in our division, there's no question that it makes it really important, especially with our division as tight as it is," Weiss said. "The Dodgers are hot right now, but the rest of the division is grinding right now and trying to tread water."

The Rockies are 16-23 (.410 winning percentage) on the road this year, and struggled mightily with a 2-7 record on their last road trip.

Ian McCue is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.